If you're anything like I am, you're itching to travel and you just don't know how. I've personally never been out of the United States before due to money, however Studying Abroad in college is something I am incredibly interested in trying out!
Today I'm excited to introduce Mikkaela who writes over at The Southwestern Prepster who will share her experience on how to pick a Study Abroad program to give insight to those of you who don't know where to start (like me)!

How to choose a study abroad program

Hello lovelies!

My name is Mikkaela and I blog over at The Southwestern Prepster, a college lifestyle and fashion-oriented blog! It is my pleasure that Dani has given me the opportunity to be here with you. I hope you find this post helpful, and you can always visit TSP for more!


If you’re in college, you’ve probably thought at least once about studying abroad! If you haven’t, then you should definitely look into it!

I just ended my freshman year of college by studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic. I know, crazy! I was a bit scared about extending my school year and eating into my summer (I only had 5 days to pack up my dorm, go home, and spend time with family for Mother’s Day before I left), but it ended up being such an amazing decision.

Quite a few people have been surprised when I explain I picked Prague, so I thought I’d give some advice on how to find the right program for you!


Talk to Your Study Abroad Adviser

IMG_8135For me, the most important aspect about talking to an adviser was figuring out how to find a program that fit my course track. I’m on a specific degree track that doesn’t exactly make studying abroad the easiest thing to do.

I would never have found out about my Prague program if I hadn’t told my advisor: “I really want this, but I don’t know how to make it work.” Don’t try to do this all alone with some random affiliate program because if you don’t check off all your boxes you could potentially not get credit for your class(es)!

The job of your advisors are to help you – I know sometimes they aren’t super helpful, but for the most part, if you show that you are committed to doing a little research on your own and that you’re serious about it, it makes them become more serious about you.


Know What You Want

Currently I am really interested in International Business, and am considering pursuing a Certificate. I knew I wanted to learn a bit more about how businesses function internationally so when I found out about this program, I was really excited!

There are so many different options, and you definitely want to be a bit open-minded but personally I think it’s a good idea to at least have a little direction to your thoughts, whether it be a region of the world you’d like to study in or even a certain budget.


Be Flexible

IMG_8168Around 8 months ago, the only thing I knew about Prague is that it is in the Czech Republic. It turns out some of the other students in my program didn’t even know Prague existed. Initially, I pretty much had my heart set on studying in the United Kingdom. But as I learned about the different programs, how the schedules and tuition functioned, and everything else going on in my life, I realized it wasn’t the most feasible plan for me right now.

Have an idea of what you want, but be willing to change those plans if necessary!


Talk to Upperclassmen and Faculty

If I hadn’t asked around my Fraternity for brothers who have studied abroad, I wouldn’t have known half the things I did about where to go, what to do, what to eat, and how to budget.

Upperclassmen truly are a wealth of knowledge. Don’t be intimidated, let’s be honest for a minute: you’re asking them to talk about an experience they most likely loved!

Additionally, if you’re looking into a faculty-directed program, get to know your faculty a little bit ahead of time. Ask them for suggestions on things to bring, what they saw students struggling with, and how to maximize your time there.


Start Saving

IMG_7755Seriously though, studying abroad can get expensive. Not only are you paying your program tuition, but housing, food, textbooks, souvenirs, shopping, and travel expenses.

It can all add up really quickly. Talk to your parents and advisor if you think you won’t have enough money to make it happen this next semester/summer, the farther away it is, the more time you have to save up money! Practice budgeting for the trip by putting yourself on one right now, applying for scholarships, or potentially getting a job/asking for a few extra hours.

It may hurt now, but every student on my program exclaimed that it was all beyond worth it. In the words of my friend Stephanie, “this experience was worth every Starbucks Frappuccino I had to make to get here.”


Hope you find these tips helpful, and feel free to email or hop over to my blog if you have any questions! Good luck with your program hunting – it definitely can be a grueling process, but it is more than worth it.

xx
Catch you next time

About the Author:

Mikkaela // The Southwestern Prepster  

I enjoy laughing louder than necessary, math, glitter, tennis, extensive arguments, documentaries, surprises, golf, lengthy novels, and anything monogrammed with a bow on it. Oh, and the Oxford Comma? Very relevant to life.


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How To Pick A Study Abroad Program: Guest Post
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12 thoughts on “How To Pick A Study Abroad Program: Guest Post

  • June 26, 2015 at 3:10 pm
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    Wonderful tips! I am sharing this post with my niece who is in her 2nd year of college. I am certain she will find this information insightful.

    Reply
  • June 26, 2015 at 4:19 pm
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    Great advise. I really wish I did a study abroad while I was in school.

    Reply
  • June 26, 2015 at 7:21 pm
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    My only regret is that I didn’t study abroad while I was in college. I had the chance to do it, but I never followed through. I will share this post with my cousin to show her the possibilities.

    Reply
  • June 26, 2015 at 7:38 pm
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    Really good tips! I wanted to study abroad when I was in college and a part of me regrets I never did. These practical tips should help make it happen for others.
    🙂
    Traci

    Reply
  • June 27, 2015 at 5:35 am
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    What a great post! My son is entering high school and we talk all the time about the wonderful opportunities for education in other areas of the world! Thank you for sharing this!

    Reply
  • June 27, 2015 at 7:45 pm
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    This was a very helpful post! Usually people think that all you have to do is show up, but there is some effort that goes into the process. Really helpful!

    Reply
  • February 25, 2018 at 8:00 pm
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    I would love to get some help from you for my first year studying abroad. I am searching programs in usa, canada and european countries for a bachelor in environmental engineering. I want a place with a diversity of people and my budget is tight. help me please.

    Reply
  • January 2, 2023 at 11:17 pm
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    Very informative article. Choosing the program wisely that fits your career goals, future plans, work experience , most importantly choosing the program in which you have interest is key to fulfil the dream of studying abroad. Taking the help of expert education consultants (Depends on whom you have associated with) will make your job easy and let you to shortlist the programs effectively.

    Reply

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